Investing in young people

From help in finding jobs and training to having fun and keeping fit – we’re investing in children and young people in Salford.

The Den is Open

There’s table football, air hockey, places to sit and chill and even an indoor sports court.

A former supermarket unit at The Ellesmere Shopping Centre , Bolton Road, Walkden has been transformed into a new youth centre called The Den alongside a new boxing gym run by Maverick Stars and local boxer Jamie Moore.

“It’s a fantastic facility for young people to meet up, make new friends and learn new skills as we will be putting on courses and workshops,” said Councillor Jim Cammell, lead member for children’s and young people’s services.

“Jamie and Maverick Stars are offering use of the gym space when there’s no boxing on so we can put on dance or fitness sessions there. The council’s youth service and Salford Community Leisure used to run sessions from a local church hall so to upgrade to a new centre is fabulous.”

Email youth.services@salford.gov.uk for more information.

On your bikes

Salford’s £250,000 brand-new community bike park is open

Young people in Little Hulton and Walkden put the idea top of their wish list for local investment and now their dream has come true.

The 200 metre long track in Peel Park was designed by the company behind the 2019 UCI Pump Track World Championships. It can be used by bikes, roller skates and skateboards and is suitable for beginners through to experienced riders.

Salford City Council’s investment in the track was boosted by Places to Ride (Sport England), Little Hulton Big Local and the London Marathon Trust and sport inclusion charity Access Sport. See how Access to Sport successfully used Crowdfund Salford issuu.com/salfordcouncil/ docs/life_in_salford_33/s/13019085

Access Sport is running a community bike club, offering specialist coaching and extra support for disabled young people and working with local schools and groups to encourage cycling. For more information please contact mike.power@accesssport.co.uk

Fun in the park

More than £281,000 has been invested in four Salford parks – and there’s more to come.

Salford City Council aims to revamp children’s playgrounds across the city, working with community groups.

The children’s play areas at St Mary’s Park, Walkden, Cadishead Recreation Ground (Lordy Park), Green Grosvenor Park, Riverbank Park, Eccles Recreation Ground and Albert Park are all being refurbished.

Helping young people find their future

Finding the right career or training can be confusing but there’s plenty of options to help young Salford people.

Salford’s fast-growing economy means apprenticeships are still available in a range of industries, including the city’s booming construction sector. There’s a variety of trades within construction or there are opportunities in everything from child care to chemistry, digital marketing to engineering, construction and business administration.

Apprenticeships are a great way to learn as you earn and the qualifications they include can go all the way up to degree level if required.

Kickstart placements offers six months paid work experience with training for young people aged 16 to 24 who are claiming Universal Credit, putting them in a good position for future jobs or training. Salford City Council is managing the government funded programme and has opportunities in local schools, companies and with the council itself. It has already seen a number of young people move on to permanent jobs and apprenticeships thanks to their Kickstart experience.

Young people with special needs or disabilities have also been helped to find jobs they love through supported internships and there’s extra help for anyone who needs more training to be ready to face the world of work.

Full details are available at www.salford.gov.uk/jobs or you can email Salford City Council’s Skills and Work helpline on SAWhelpline@salford.gov.uk

Four land dream jobs after Kickstarting their careers

Four young women have landed their dream jobs thanks to Kickstart.

Rebecca Jones, 22, Kadie Ryan 25, Rachel McGuire 22 and Ariale Luviluka 19 secured jobs and apprenticeships at Salford City Council’s nurseries after their Kickstart placements.

They will spend the next two years working towards an NVQ Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification while working with children aged up to five years old.

Rebecca said: “Kickstart gave me an opportunity. I can’t describe how happy it makes me to know I can get my qualification and continue my career.”

Kadie burst into tears when she heard the news, and said: “I’m telling everyone I know who is eligible for Kickstart to go for it.”

Rachel who lost her job due to the pandemic said: “I had no experience of working with young children but the team supported me and made me very welcome. I love the job and Kickstart was perfect for me.”

Ariale said: “I wanted an opportunity to start a career and came to Kickstart to get some experience.” .

To find the latest Kickstart vacancies speak to your work coach or visit www.salford.gov.uk/kickstart or email KickStart@salford.gov.uk